Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is our nation’s most under-recognized health crisis. Click here for more specific information from the Alzheimer's Association.

You can also click here for information about Alzheimer's from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Facts

Alzheimer's is the most expensive disease in America and will cost the nation $259 billion in 2017.

Alzheimer’s is progressive and fatal.

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death among all Americans, though it may cause even more deaths than official sources recognize. It is the 5th leading cause of death in those 65 and older.

It is America's only top 10 cause of death that cannot be prevented, cured or slowed.

Alzheimer's kills more than breast and prostate cancer combined.

Individuals with the disease need round-the-clock care as the disease progresses.

Figures

There are approximately 5.5 million people in the United States living with Alzheimer's disease.

Approximately 200,000 of those with the disease are younger than 65.

An estimated 700,000 Americans died in 2016 with Alzheimer's disease.

The number of people with Alzheimer's could reach 16 million by 2050.

Almost two-thirds of the people with Alzheimer's in the United States are women.

People with dementia experience 3 times as many hospitalizations as those without.

Deaths from Alzheimer's increased 89% since 2000.

For the complete report on the latest facts and figures on Alzheimer's disease in the United States, please click here.